Letter: Executive overreach

The ruling by the federal appeals court that the president has violated the Constitution by exercising recess appointments to circumvent the authority of Congress is an acknowledgment of executive overreach.

Of greater concern is the executive’s abuse of power in regards to the supposed authority of the intelligence community to knowingly kill American citizens. To further compound this abuse of power, the executive branch refuses to explain the executive’s rationale in the implementation of its supposed authority to kill or assassinate American citizens. This refusal to answer to Congress represents an alarming exercise of the abuse of power.

Further, it is contrary to every precept of the Constitution. The executive branch appears to be ignorant of the true intent of the Constitution, that of limiting the authority of government over life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Not only should Congress act, but it is We the People that comprise the fourth branch of government.

The Declaration of Independence is clear on the matter. "That whenever any form of government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government, laying its foundation on such principles, and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness."

With the executive’s continued abuse of the Constitution, can any claim either safety or happiness in this once-great republic?